Alcohol percentage: 14%
Area:
The Vega Sicilia estate is in the “Valbuena de Duero”, south of the river. A hot, continental climate is tempered by the Atlantic ocean and the Duero River, whose mists create humidity. Of the 1,000 hectares, 240 are under vine on a clay-limestone soil.
Grape variety:
90% Tempranillo, 5% Malbec, 5% Merlot; aged in oak for over 5 years, 60% French oak, 40% American.
Producer:
Vega Sicilia was founded in 1864 and has long been Spain’s most prestigious estate. Valbuena is the so-called ‘Second Wine’ – it is made in years which are not considered powerful enough to make Unico, the flagship wine (which is given around 10 years in oak).
Vintage:
Considered a truly great year, much sought after.
Maturity potential:
Reaching peak in 2025 but will live at least 10 years beyond then.
The Bottle Shop rating:
Unfair to consider this as a ‘second wine’; I generally prefer it to the even more monumental ‘Unico’.